Author: Cindy
Date: 12/22/2008 10:53 pm EDT
We also had the problem of the tiles binding on the blade guard of our table-type wet saw. My husband came up with the idea of a two-step cutting process. He used our wood table saw with the blade lowered to about 1/8". He ran the tile over the wood saw blade first, so that only the plastic tray would be cut. Then we cut the porcelain part of the tile with the wet saw. We figured this out about half way through our kitchen project. It worked much better and the kitchen looks great.

06-24-2009 09:56 AM

Avaire Archive

Author: Josh
Date: 12/9/2008 11:59 am EDT
Thanks for the replies. Believe me I was tring to figure out how I could get rid of the blade guard braket without spraying that nice grey water everywhere. I'm planning on buying a MK wetsaw before I start the next room. We want to do another bathroom, foyer, kitchen and laundry room. I'm sure I will be tired of flooring but if it turns out like the master bathroom it will be well worth it.

06-24-2009 09:56 AM

Avaire Archive

Author: Chris
Date: 12/9/2008 10:17 am EDT

You're correct Josh the "radial saw" type wet saws work the best. The "table saw " type wet saws when the tile goes through the blade you will get a small "bur" from the tray that will drag on the guard. I've seen guys take the guard off but don't do it!, saftey first, plus water sprays all over. The best saws I've used for Avaire tile are the Dewalt, Felker, MK, Ridgid and Target "radial saw" type wet saws.
Also, don't seal the grout.

06-24-2009 09:55 AM

Avaire Archive

Author: Jonathan
Date: 12/8/2008 11:39 pm EDT
We've cut hundreds of sf with a variety of wet saws, but we haven't seen what you are describing. We've seen situations where the grid would get caught "grooves" in the saw table. If you could send a high-res close-up of the melted grid/tray and your saw, I'd be interested in seeing. You can email the pictures to jonathan.mcintosh@avairefloors.com

There is no need to seal the tile (if fact, I would recommend against it). The grout does not need to be sealed, unless in a heavy use environment like a veternarian's office.

06-24-2009 09:55 AM

Avaire Archive

cutting tile / tile & grout sealer

Author: Josh
Date: 12/8/2008 2:46 pm EDT
I just finished installing avaire tile in our master bathroom. I'm very pleased with the end result. The only issue that I had was cutting the tiles with the wetsaw. Once the portion of the tile passed through the blade it would get caught on the bracket for the blade guard. It appeared that the plastic and rubber base melted causing it to slightly fill in the cut enough to stop the tile from going further. Anyone have a similar issue? I think my wetsaw would be fine for regular tile. I believe a wetsaw that the blade cuts from the top (radial?) would be better to cut avaire tile. Also, is it recommended or necessary to seal the tile and grout?